Travel, Tourism & Hospitality

Hyatt evolves its brand with pipeline of 138,000 rooms

Hyatt Hotels Corporation has announced a record pipeline of approximately 138,000 rooms as of year-end 2024, alongside a strategic brand realignment designed to enhance owner returns and accelerate growth.
 
By evolving its brand architecture into five distinct portfolios – Luxury, Lifestyle, Inclusive, Classics and Essentials – Hyatt is better positioned to serve the unique needs of its guests, customers, and owners, while aligning expertise and resources to deliver exceptional value.
 
"Hyatt’s growth and strategic brand evolution reflect our commitment to creating long-term value for owners and driving the performance of our hotels by delivering distinctive experiences for travelers," said Mark Hoplamazian, President & Chief Executive Officer, Hyatt. "By focusing on this evolution, we are not only enhancing guest satisfaction but also strengthening our hotels' success and competitive advantage, driving preference among owners, guests, customers and World of Hyatt members."
 
LIFESTYLE PIPELINE AMPLIFIED THROUGH ACQUISITION OF STANDARD INTERNATIONAL
 
Amar Lalvani, former Executive Chairman of Standard International, now leads Hyatt’s new Lifestyle Group as its President & Creative Director, bringing increased focus to brand identities and performance across each lifestyle brand, further enhancing Hyatt’s leading position in the industry’s premier lifestyle segment.
 
The recent acquisition of Standard International’s iconic The Standard and Bunkhouse Hotels brands as well as the recently launched The StandardX brand included 22 open hotels and more than 30 future projects with a signed agreement or letter of intent for the Lifestyle Portfolio.
 
Reinforcing Hyatt’s leadership in the lifestyle space, Hyatt has grown the portfolio’s total pipeline properties by nearly 50% year-over-year and the number of open hotels by over 20% year-over-year.
 
Recent lifestyle openings in key markets include The StandardX, Melbourne; The Standard, Singapore; Hotel Saint Augustine which is in Houston and part of the Bunkhouse Hotels brand; The StandardX, Bangkok Phra Arthit, and Thompson Palm Springs.
 
“I’m excited to lead the newly formed Lifestyle Group during this pivotal time of growth and value-focused evolution,” said Lalvani. “Hyatt’s acquisition of the Standard International brands added a portfolio of highly differentiated brands made up of beloved, award-winning hotels across the globe as well as a wealth of creative talent. When combined with Hyatt’s existing portfolio of design-driven, culturally relevant lifestyle brands and global infrastructure, I could not be more optimistic about our ability to grow these brands in new markets, delivering unforgettable experiences for our guests and returns for our owners.”
 
Newly executed deals and upcoming openings in the Lifestyle Portfolio include:
  • TOOR Hotel, which will be part of the JdV by Hyatt brand, is set to be a boutique jewel located in the heart of downtown Toronto, bringing the brand’s signature charm and vibrant energy to one of Canada’s most dynamic cities (expected to open Q1 2025)
  • Andaz Miami Beachtransformed from The Confidante Miami Beach to Florida’s first Andaz branded resort will feature an ocean-view check-in, 287 rooms, 64 suites, two reimagined pools and meeting space, with local influences and exclusive programming, including collaborations with the José Andrés Group (expected to open Q1 2025)
  • The Standard, Brussels will mark the debut of longer-stay apartment-style accommodations for The Standard brand with a 28-story property that will feature 200 rooms, suites, and apartments paired with signature perks and modern amenities, offering guests an unmatched urban retreat (expected to open Q2 2025)
  • Wildbirch Hotel, which will be the first JdV by Hyatt hotel in Anchorage, AK, will be situated downtown and feature 252 modern guestrooms, streetside restaurant and lobby bar, on-site brewery, outdoor decks and fire pits with sweeping views of Mount Susitna and Cook Inlet, and access to cultural attractions, combining urban sophistication with local flair (expected to open Q3 2025)
  • Dream Valle de Guadalupe is set to be the first Dream Hotels branded property in Latin America and will showcase the beauty of Mexico’s dynamic wine region, complete with a large vineyard, 58 guestrooms and villas, three dining and nightlife venues, including a private tasting room and rooftop bar (expected to open Q4 2025)
  • Andaz Hong Kong Central will be nestled in the heart of Central Hong Kong and will bring the brand’s signature blend of locally inspired design, upscale amenities, and immersive cultural programming to one of Asia’s most iconic urban hubs (expected to open mid-2027)
In conjunction with the introduction of its new brand portfolios, Hyatt is excited to welcome two accomplished leaders who will play pivotal roles in developing the Lifestyle and Luxury Portfolios.
 
With deep expertise in their respective fields, Catie Cramer has been named Head of Lifestyle Development – US, and will lead efforts to expand Hyatt’s Lifestyle Portfolio across the United States. Separately, Tina Necrason has been named Global Head of Branded Residential to spearhead the development and implementation of Hyatt’s branded residential strategy for all brands. Tina joins Hyatt from Montage International where she was responsible for all residential activities.
 
ESSENTIALS PIPELINE ACCELERATED BY UPPER-MIDSCALE ENTRY WITH HYATT STUDIOS
 
Within the Essentials Portfolio are Hyatt’s celebrated select service brands that continue to demonstrate pipeline strength and owner value. Building on the innovative, developer-driven approach that guided the successful creation of the Hyatt Studios brand and the momentum from the recent relaunch of the Caption by Hyatt brand, Hyatt continues to evolve, aiming to make these brands even more profitable for owners and more desirable for travelers.
 
Hyatt Studios, the portfolio’s new upper-midscale extended stay brand, has sustained significant growth with more than 50 executed deals representing entry into 22 new markets and with 27 new owners for Hyatt. The brand’s first location, Hyatt Studios Mobile / Tillman’s Corner, is expected to open in Q1 2025.
 
“Hyatt’s momentum has never been stronger as we build on our success and deepen our commitment to finding innovative solutions to drive profitability by working closely with our owners and responding to guests’ needs,” said Dan Hansen, Head of Americas Development, Hyatt. “We are thrilled to celebrate the upcoming opening of our first Hyatt Studios location in Mobile, which represents a pivotal moment in our expansion into the upper-midscale market.”
 
In addition to the Hyatt Studios brand, the Essentials Portfolio has newly executed deals and upcoming openings across all brands including:
  • UrCove Shanghai Xuhui West Riversidewill be an adaptive reuse property with 160 rooms located in The West Bund, a waterfront area that runs along the western bank of the Huangpu River in central Shanghai (expected to open Q1 2025)
  • Hyatt Place Bhopal Rani Kamalapati Stationwill be in the capital of Madhya Pradesh, India, and part of a mixed-use development project, including the city’s newly redeveloped train station (expected to open Q2 2025)
  • Caption by Hyatt Central Sydney will be centrally located in Haymarket, a vibrant multicultural neighborhood at the southern end of the Sydney Central Business District, and will mark the brand’s entry in Australia (expected to open Q3 2025)
  • Hyatt Place JFK Airport will be a new build that aligns with the airport’s enhancement plans, including meeting traveler demand for higher quality accommodations that are accessible via the new AirTrain (expected to open in 2026)
  • Hyatt Place Bryce Canyon will be the first Hyatt hotel and Hyatt Place property to be located in the destination, a short drive from the entrance of Bryce Canyon National Park, meeting the demand for more quality accommodations near the highly toured destination (expected to open in 2027)
STRATEGIC GROWTH ACROSS ALL BRAND PORTFOLIOS
 
In addition to the growth highlighted within the Lifestyle and Essentials Portfolios, Hyatt’s expanded pipeline of new hotel properties is driving strategic growth across each of its portfolios, including Luxury, Inclusive, and Classics as well. With exciting new additions in each of the five distinct portfolios, Hyatt is poised to further enhance its global brand presence.
 
The diverse offerings attract new members to the award-winning World of Hyatt loyalty program and increase the stay frequency of existing members—creating more opportunities for more stay occasions and amplifying the network effect that can benefit all Hyatt owners.
 
TheLuxury Portfolio features the finest places for the most refined tastes, enriched with unparalleled service, unmatched amenities and high design. For luxury seekers who delight in the rare and thoughtfully curated, these escapes will delight.
 
Newly executed deals, recent and upcoming openings in the Luxury Portfolio include:
  • Fairmount Hotel, which is part of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt, is in the heart of downtown San Antonio, TX featuring the building’s preserved architectural details dating back to 1906, offering 37 rooms, a rooftop bar, an expansive courtyard and several award-winning restaurants making it an ideal intimate event space (opened January 16, 2025)
  • Alila Dong'ao Island Zhuhai will mark the brand’s entry in Zhuhai, China and will be located on the island's unique cliffside, blending into the site's original natural beauty (expected to open Q2 2025)
  • Park Hyatt Johannesburg will mark the brand’s reintroduction in South Africa following an extensive refurbishment led by Yabu Pushelberg, an award-winning global designer (expected to open Q2 2025)
  • Park Hyatt Los Cabos at Cabo del Solwill debut the brand’s presence in Mexico. Designed by the renowned Sordo Madaleno, the resort will feature 163 guestrooms and suites, as well as 19 villas and residences, along with an expansive wellness center, a range of luxury amenities, and access to the prestigious Cabo Del Sol Golf Course (expected to open Q2 2025)
  • The Seville Nomad will open as part of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt in New York City’s Nomad neighborhood, paying homage to the location’s rich history through its design and architecture, featuring 348 rooms and signature restaurants, Scarpetta and Seville (expected to open Q2 2025)
  • Park Hyatt Tokyoin celebration of its 30th anniversary suspended operations for restoration in 2024, and the iconic property will resume operations with refreshed guestrooms and revived food and beverage concepts (reopening Q3 2025)
The Inclusive Collection offers all-inclusive getaways designed for when every moment is worth celebrating. The unlimited experiences, endless hospitality and thoughtful touches are designed to exceed every expectation and turn travel moments into lifetime memories.
 
Newly executed deals in the Inclusive Collection include:
  • Hyatt Vivid Punta Canais set to become the second hotel in the new Hyatt Vivid Hotels & Resorts brand and mark the brand’s debut in the Dominican Republic, offering an adults-only 500-room beachside resort with multiple pools and food and beverage outlets (expected to open Q3 2025)
  • Hyatt Vivid Akumal Resort & Spawill be located in Akumal, Quintana Roo, Mexico, known for its white sand beach and warm waters rich in marine life, including unforgettable turtle sightings and snorkeling experiences (expected to open Q4 2025)
  • Hyatt Zilara Punta Bergantin in the Dominican Republic will be an adults-only 508-key resort within the master development of Punta Bergantin, a project designed to rejuvenate the country’s tourism (expected to open in 2026)
  • TheClassics Portfoliofeatures timeless style and unrivaled care in the world’s most-traveled places. These every-occasion destinations captivate with impeccable service and thoughtful amenities.
Newly executed deals and upcoming openings in the Classics Portfolio include:
  • Hyatt Regency Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airportwill be a conversion property that will be the only hotel located within the airport, featuring 610 rooms, eight restaurants and expansive meeting space (expected to open Q1 2025)
  • Hotel X Toronto will mark the Destination by Hyatt brand’s debut in Canada with a 30-story lakefront urban resort that redefines the sports and entertainment experience, including a three-level sky bar with panoramic views, an indoor/outdoor heated rooftop pool, award-winning Guerlain Spa, art gallery, cinema, and a 90,000 sq ft state-of-the-art athletic facility (expected to open Q2 2025)
  • Hyatt Regency Times Square will mark the brand’s debut in Manhattan with a 795-key property, an upscale New York style market, bar and lounge experience, a state-of-the-art fitness center, all with iconic views of Times Square (expected to open Q3 2025)
  • Kampos Hotel will mark the Destination by Hyatt brand’s entry in the trending Greek Island of Paros, near the village of Aliki, offering 50 rooms with private terraces and plunge pools or hot tubs (expected to open in 2026)
  • Okhissa Lake Lodge, which will be part of the Destination by Hyatt brand, will be the first lodging option located on Lake Okhissa with 150 acres of land within Homochitto National Forest in Mississippi, a region known for driving outdoor tourism with fishing, hunting, biking, camping, and hiking (expected to open in 2027) -TradeArabia News Service

Travel, Tourism & Hospitality

All-Economy Oman Air Connect launched

Oman Air has launched a new series of all-Economy Class aircraft, designed to offer more affordable travel options while maintaining the airline’s renowned comfort and service.
 
 Oman Air Connect will consist of five Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, the first of which arrived earlier this month. 
 
The new aircraft will primarily operate to the Indian Subcontinent, Middle East, and Africa, complementing the airline’s existing network, while offering greater accessibility to travellers. Alongside several recent service and product enhancements, Oman Air is also preparing to introduce upgraded in-flight entertainment, ensuring a more modern and engaging onboard experience, the airline said.
 
Con Korfiatis, Chief Executive Officer at Oman Air, said: “The way people travel has evolved, with greater accessibility and choice; at the same time, passengers still want to enjoy a comfortable journey. With this all-Economy fleet, we are adapting to these changing needs, providing our guests with more flexibility and choice without compromising on quality.”
 
Oman Air, which embarked on a three-year financial transformation in 2023, has implemented several initiatives to strengthen its position in the market and ensure long-term sustainability. The airline continues to serve over 40 destinations with a mix of wide-body and narrow-body aircraft, offering three cabin classes and a diverse range of fare options. Through these efforts, the award-winning airline remains committed to delivering exceptional travel experiences tailored to the modern traveller. – TradArabia News Service 
 

Travel, Tourism & Hospitality

Boeing to showcase cutting-edge solutions at Idex

Boeing will present its advanced defence and security capabilities and services at the International Defense Exhibition and Conference (IDEX 2025) in Abu Dhabi from February 17 to 21. 
 
“IDEX is a key opportunity to engage with partners across the region and showcase how our advanced defense solutions can support the country’s security and aerospace ambitions,” said Kuljit Ghata-Aura, President of Boeing Middle East, Türkiye, Africa, and Central Asia. 
 
“Our commitment to the UAE spans more than four decades, and we look forward to deepening collaboration through pioneering industrial and technological initiatives and further contributing to the growing domestic defense industrial base.” 
 
At IDEX 2025, among the products being highlighted include:
• T-7 Advanced Trainer – Next-generation pilot training system with fighter-like performance.
• AH-64 Apache – Advanced, combat-proven attack helicopter, evolving for continued battlefield dominance.
• CH-47 Chinook – Multi-mission heavy-lift helicopter with advanced digital cockpit and cargo handling capabilities.
• F-15EX – The backbone of tactical fighter fleets with increased payload capacity, advanced electronic warfare system and the world’s most powerful fighter radar.
• Insitu Integrator ER – Long-range uncrewed system for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance. 
 
Boeing will also showcase its services portfolio, including performance-based logistics support, parts, modifications and modernization, upgrades, and training. These offerings are designed to support the defense modernization and mission readiness of customers in the UAE and the Middle East.
 
Boeing has been a trusted partner of the UAE Government since 1978, providing and sustaining advanced defense platforms, including the AH-64 Apache, CH-47 Chinook, and C-17 Globemaster III. These aircraft play a vital role in protecting the UAE’s air, land, and sea borders and supporting global humanitarian missions. 
 
As a leading global aerospace company, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. As a top US exporter, the company leverages the talents of a global supplier base to advance economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. 
 
Boeing's team is committed to innovating for the future, leading with sustainability, and cultivating a culture based on the company's core values of safety, quality and integrity. Boeing’s relationship with the Middle East extends back to 1945. Since then, Boeing has established several offices across the region including in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Doha, Kuwait, and Riyadh, a statement said. - TradeArabia News Service